Web Design Tutorials
Social Networking Software: 12 Ways to Build the Next Facebook
February 16, 2010 by Barbara Holbrook · 5 Comments
Do you want to be the next YouTube, Flickr, Match.com or Facebook? Then, you need to find the right social networking software. Dating sites, friend networks, video sharing portals are all built on networking platforms that give members control over their personal profile and encourage user-generated content. If you can get it right, Social Networking is the key to the kingdom. You will never have to worry about your next blog post, because users will post and manage their own content. You will be... learn more
Facebook Connect: Plugins to Integrate FB and WordPress
February 11, 2010 by Barbara Holbrook · 8 Comments
When I first decided it was time to add Facebook Connect to a website, I figured it would be no big deal. Facebook is a social media powerhouse, I figured, so they must have tools to simplify the process. Plus, I use WordPress! So I was fairly confident that some enterprising developer had already created a plugin that would add Facebook Connect to the blog with a few clicks. Boy was I naive. Adding Facebook to a WordPress site is harder than it sounds. I spent days testing out plugins with varying... learn more
Awesome Customizations: 10 websites based on the Yamidoo Magazine Theme
January 14, 2010 by Barbara Holbrook · 11 Comments
Premium WordPress themes can be a designer’s best friend. But most websites worth visiting know better than to use a theme straight “out of the box.” Your site design is part of your branding and it’s the first impression visitors will have of your product. It only takes seconds for a new visitors to decide whether your site is “reputable.” And, like it or not, they will make that decision based on looks. That’s why when you’re deciding which premium... learn more
How to Use Google Maps with WordPress Blogs: 5 Plugins to Get You Started
December 15, 2009 by Barbara Holbrook · 13 Comments
It wasn’t long ago that Mapquest was the only quality mapping tool online. Then, the rise of Google Maps, possibly the best and most sophisticated mapping tool available online. Google Maps inspired regular people to become cartographers — mapping our lives, mashing up old maps in new ways, and creating a new way to share our world. Even as the maps have become more sophisticated, the general tools have become simpler. In fact, if you’re using WordPress inserting a Google Map can be... learn more
5 WordPress Comment Plugins to Engage Users and Promote Discussion
October 21, 2009 by Spencer Spellman · 6 Comments
If you’re a new user to WordPress, then you’re probably perfectly content with the comment features you already have. You may not yet realize the positive effect that adding a comment plugin (or three) can have on your site. Better comment functions are a great way to encourage discussion and build community on your blog or website. Whether your goal is to encourage people to leave comments, reward them for doing so or even just make your comments look better, there is a WordPress plugin... learn more
Choosing the Best RSS Feed Plugin for WordPress
October 9, 2009 by Barbara Holbrook · 6 Comments
Using RSS feeds with WordPress for fun and for profit. At one point or another most bloggers will want to display articles from another website. You may be sharing articles with a syndicated author, setting up a news ticker, or simply listing the current headlines from news sources in your niche. Whatever your reason, RSS feeds are usually the best way to pull in content from another source. Today we’ll discuss how to import an RSS feed and display the feed items in a WordPress blog. There... learn more
How to Get a Google API Key
October 5, 2009 by Spencer Spellman · 6 Comments
To fully take advantage of Google maps and to integrate it into a blog or website, you’ll have to sign up to receive a Google API Key. This allows you to insert Google maps into your own web pages on your own domains. The only requirement is that you must have a Google account, as your API key will be connected to your account. Even though there are many plugins and scripts that require an API Key to work, developers often overlook explaining just exactly how to sign up for a Google API Key.... learn more
How to Protect Your WordPress Blog From Spam
September 23, 2009 by Spencer Spellman · 7 Comments
If you’re new to WordPress, then you may imagine that spam is limited to just what you get in your email box, offering creams and pills to decrease your waist and increase your… um, other things. Eh-hem. Once you own a blog, spam can take on a whole new meaning and be even more of an annoyance that requires constant vigilance. Not only do you want to protect your readers from offensive “comments” about where to find free you-know-what, but even more importantly Google considers... learn more
Top 5 SEO Plugins for Joomla
September 21, 2009 by Spencer Spellman · 6 Comments
Anyone who runs a successful website knows the value of search engine optimization. A good SEO tool kit can turn a good website into a profitable website by attracting the right kind of targeted traffic. But, how do you SEO a CMS site such as Joomla? With Joomla Extensions! Extensions is term used to refer to any number of Joomla components, modules and plugins. If you have a Joomla website, you’re going to want to make sure that you’ve properly optimized it for search engines and have... learn more
5 Free Ways to Market Your Blog
September 17, 2009 by Spencer Spellman · 2 Comments
It’s no secret that the ailing economy has hit everyone, even us bloggers who depend so heavily on Google Adsense and page impressions. It’s become increasingly harder to grow and maintain those high page views, while also competing with other bloggers in your niche. As a blogger you don’t want to pay a high rate to advertise your blog and risk not getting a return on your investment; nor do you want to do an adwords campaign. You want quick, easy and free ideas for marketing your... learn more
